Weighted Blanket: Fad or Fact?

I’ve been hearing about weighted blankets for a few years now. Several of my family members struggle with insomnia, anxiety, and sensory processing disorder and are using these blankets.

From children to adults, they all love them.

You may have read Temple Grandin’s book Thinking in Pictures: My Life with Autism. I believe it was here I first heard about her self-experiments with deep pressure that led her to develop the hug machine. Ms. Grandin realized that that firm pressure relaxed her long before she was diagnosed with autism in her forties.

I was intrigued by the possible connection between her discovery and the effectiveness of weighted blankets but didn’t investigate more.

Of course, we all know how relaxing it is to snuggle up with a blanket. Generations of children have grown attached to their favorite blankies, so a connection between weight and a soothing blanket seems logical.

Who invented the weighted blanket?

Keith Zivalich invented the weighted blanket in 1997 and sold his first blanket the following year.

Zivalich explains he got the idea when his daughter balanced a Beanie Baby on her shoulder.

He describes his aha moment in this article.

She said, ‘The weight of the stuffed toy felt like it was hugging my shoulder.’ The next thing I thought was, ‘Wouldn’t it be cool if an entire blanket was filled with these beads. It would be the blanket that hugs you back.’

Since then, the blankets have been embraced by thousands of people worldwide. Numerous types and weights are available. Some blankets are filled with plastic beads, others with something similar to chain mail. The suggested weight is around 10% of the sleeper’s weight.

I believe in the value of a good night’s sleep.

Studies have shown that in addition to increasing the chance we’ll be in an accident, lack of sleep affects our bodies.

Read Why is it So Hard to Get a Good Night’s Sleep? if you’d like to find out more about this essential element of good health. Fortunately, I’ve always fallen asleep quickly, but I’ve learned the quality of sleep matters, too.

Since I’ve never had sleep problems, I didn’t think a weighted blanket was for me. But, boy, was I wrong!

While overnight pet-sitting at my son’s house this week, I noticed their weighted blanket on the sofa and thought, why not give it a try?

I slept like a hibernating bear.

Pulling aside the regular blanket, I tucked myself in with the weighted blanket. I felt my body relax and wiggled a bit, expecting the weight to be both unpleasantly heavy and hot, too. Nope, not at all.

The next thing I knew, it was morning, and I woke to feel refreshed. I know it’s only a one-night trial, but I’m going to get a weighted blanket for myself.

What seems to be the secret behind this blanket?

One study found that weighted blankets helped reduce insomnia symptoms that can accompany anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and ADHD.

Weighted blankets are thought to stimulate the production of the mood-boosting hormone serotonin, reduce the stress hormone cortisol, and increase levels of melatonin that helps you sleep.

Research is continuing, but study participants report decreased sleep disturbance resulting from various causes, including fibromyalgia and more.

Visit the home of the original weighted blanket for more information.

Many manufacturers are creating a variety of blanket sizes and styles. You can check out the original magic weighted blanket or search the many types available online.

Should you use a weighted blanket? I’d suggest reading more, including this article on WebMD. Prices vary widely, starting at about $60.00 for a 15-pound weight.

Myself? Yep, I’m convinced. I don’t mind investing in a good night’s sleep and its health-giving benefit.

Any weighted blanket sleepers out there? Please share your experience, favorite type, and weight.